Conservation at the Carlos

The Michael C. Carlos Museum has a long-standing commitment to conservation and collections care. The Karen Mariea Madsen Parsons Conservation Laboratory was established when the Museum was renovated and expanded in 1993. Before the lab was created, conservation needs had been addressed by contract conservators. The first in-house full-time conservator was hired through a grant from the Mellon Foundation. This role soon became a University staff position, supplemented by consultants as required. The conservator collaborates with other staff, faculty, and researchers to ensure the preservation of collections through both preventive care and treatment. The conservation lab serves as a resource for curators, scholars, and students by participating in the examination, analysis, and study of the Museum’s objects.

Insect Investigation: A Gallery Activity
Help our Carlos conservators investigate evidence of damage caused by past insect activity on Museum objects! Find the objects from the worksheet in our galleries, then use the information in the bug booklet to choose the most likely culprit in each scenario. After you complete your worksheet, bring your answers to the front reception desk for a prize!

Public Art on Campus
Each year student interns examine and document the conditions of sculptures on Emory's campus. Students consult with artists and work with professional conservators to provide recommendations for routine maintenance and prioritize treatment needs. This student-produced podcast describes these goals.